Morris tribune., 1887-05-11
ON A COWCATClIER.
LADY MACDoNALD'S RIDE ON THE
ROCKIES "GREAT DIVIDE"

Novelty, Excitement and a View of Mag.
niflcent Scenery-How Several We'll
Regulated Young Men Were Aston.
ishcd-A Thin, Melancholy American,
ut is an awful thing to dor hear
voice say, as the little group lean forward
and for u moment / feel q thrill that is
very like fear; but it is gone at once, anG
/ can think of nothing but the novelty,
the excitement and the fun of this mad
ride in glorious sunshine and Intoxicating
air, with magnificent mountains before
and around me, their lofty peaks smiling
down on us, and never frown on theiI
grand faces.
The pace quickens gradually, surely,
swiftly, and then we are rushing up to the
summit. We soon stand on the Great
Divide" 800 feet above sea level-be.
tween the two great oceans. AS we pass,
Mr.. e. by gesture, points out small
river called Bath creek, think which,
issuing from a lake on the narrow sum.
NIT level, winds near the track. ] look,
and 10! the water flowing eastward to-
ward the Atlantic side, turns in moment
rs the Divide is passed, and pours vest
ward down the Pacific slope.
Many tunnels lie i'll our way as we rush
by them, and during halt l am told one
Of the tunnels is "wet." This being in.
tcrpreted means that the arching rock is
full of springs, which pour on the train as
it passes. An umbrella and waterproof
arc therefore necessary for mc-now sole
occupant of the cowcatcher; and with
praiseworthy economy l take off my hat,
tuck it safely under my wraps and
prepare to encounter the wet
tunnel thus equipped. We plunge into
q few moments darkness-water splash.
ing and dripping ON every side; and as we
emerge into the sunlight again and stop
just beyond the tunnel l see party OF
young English sportsmen standing neal
the roadside. They have evidently just
climbed the bank, guns in hand, leavinga
large canoe with two Indian paddlers on
the lake below. Fine, tall, young Saxons
they are, in sporting attire somewhat the
worse for long travel, but very cOnven-
tional in style notwithstanding. just
imagine the feelings with which these
well regulated young men beheld q lady,
bareheaded and with an umbrella, seated
in front of an engine at the mouth OF a
tunnel in the Gold Range of British
Columbia! l am sorely afraid | laughed
outright at the blank amaZement OF their
rosy faces and longed to tell them what
fun it was; but not being introduced you
know" contented myself with acknowl
edging their presence by a solemn little
bow-which was quite irresistible under
the circumstances.
A MELANCHOLY AMERICAN.
A somewhat similar incident occurred
next day during our journey in the valley
of the Fraser river. The special stopped
at station where q mule train was just
starting for some distant gold mines
laden with miners supplies. 1t was very
interesting to see the sturdy animals al
packed and ready, standing In regular
order, waiting for the word of command
from their driver, which was instantly
obeyed, all filing along at equal distances
with the air of quad dpeds of superior
intelligence, who had made up their minds
to avoid hurry or confusion. 1t CHANGED
to be one of our halts at tea time, and, as
usual, my cup of tea and slice of bread
and butter were brought to the buffer
beam. / had just been presented with
two large bouquets, which lay in my lap.
While leisurely slipped my tea, there
suddenly appeared before me very thin,
tall, melancholy looking American, having
something to do with the pack train now
slowly winding off through the noun.
tains. Never shall forget the expression
of that mans face as he steadily regarded
me, seated composedly on the cow.
catcher, surrounded with flowers, q plate
of bread and butter on candle box near
by, taking afternoon tea. To remain 81.
lent was impossible.
"Good evening"" l said.
The man nodded and drew a long
breath = i
'Have you come far?" he asked after
long pause.
'From the other side of the Rockies"
answered carelessly, as if speaking of a
stroll round a village-"300 miles or So"
"Did you come that way down the
thompson" he next asked, little anx.
iously.
80 yes-and I am going to the sea-"
''You amt afraid, likely?" he continued,
looking more melancholy than ever.
mot at all. T..
"Now look here" he said, pausing be-
tween each word, ''its real dangerous.
would not do this thing for lot of
money! Then, thrusting his hands into
his pockets, with civil ''Good evening,
Missis," he disappeared round the engine.
Lady Macdonald in Murray's Magazine.